Watch The Mega Brothel

The Mega Brothel is a fascinating documentary that takes a look at the world's largest brothel, the Paradise in Stuttgart, Germany. Directed by Edward Watts, the movie follows the everyday activities of this brothel that houses around 400 women, 80 employees, and more than 1,000 clients per day. The documentary provides a rare and open-ended look at the world of prostitution and sex work, especially in a country where it is decriminalized.

The movie opens up with the owner of the Paradise - Michael Beretin, who is himself a former brothel owner and a marketing genius, showcasing his product with savvy and keen insight. He comes across as a man with magnetism and charm, who seems to genuinely care about his employees and their welfare, and envisions the Paradise as a brothel that goes beyond merely providing sexual services. The film takes us through Beretin's journey of establishing Paradise, which begins with him investing millions of dollars into buying and transforming it into a luxurious establishment. Under Beretin's leadership, the brothel offers its clients an experience that feels more like a five-star hotel rather than a dingy brothel.

The documentary primarily follows three women working at Paradise. The first one is Felicia who is a prostitute from Romania who has come to Germany to work at the brothel. She is one of the most iconic characters in the film, and we see her go about her everyday activities – ranging from getting ready for the clients, negotiating prices, and interacting with her colleagues. Felicia tells us about her life story and why she chose to move from Romania to work at the brothel. The documentary provides a glimpse into the hardships and dangers that a sex worker faces, including the risk of physical and emotional abuse, and marginalization from society.

The second character introduced to us is a personal shopper for all the prostitutes in Paradise, who goes by the name of Martina. Martina does her job with great diligence and attention to detail, and it soon becomes clear that she is an essential part of the Paradise's functioning. She is shown walking around the rented apartments where prostitutes live and helping them shop for groceries, clothes, and other necessities. Interestingly, Martina has a unique perspective on prostitution and sex work as a married mother of two, who is aware of her job's controversies but chooses to continue regardless.

The third character is a British novelist named Lucy Briers, who visits Paradise for research purposes. Briers embodies the viewer and tries to understand the various aspects of prostitution, the brothel's owners, and the women who work there. Her presence and insights provide a well-rounded look at the complex nature of sex work and its nuances from an outsider's perspective. The movie also features several other women working at the Paradise told through insightful interviews with a few of the women.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the seamless exploration of taboo subjects such as prostitution, sexuality, and gender roles in modern society. The documentary does not shy away from presenting the gritty reality of prostitution, which at times, is tough to watch. The movie also explores the relationship between the women and their clients, which is shown to go beyond the conventional roles of sex for money. Some clients are shown seeking emotional support from the women and have an emotional connection with them. These clients are known to be kind and considerate and come to the Paradise because of the non-judgmental and relaxed environment.

Overall, Edward Watts' The Mega Brothel is a well-made documentary that provides a unique insight into the world of prostitution and sex work, something that is generally considered off-limits. The movie showcases the complexities of the sex industry and how it impacts both the clients and the employees. It also explores the impact of sex work on gender relations, power dynamics, and the role of government in regulating the industry. The documentary raises many questions and ideas about prostitution that are thought-provoking and, at times, uncomfortable to confront. In conclusion, The Mega Brothel is a must-watch for anyone who wishes to get an honest and nuanced look at the world of prostitution as it exists today.